Scrapbooking for Fun and Profit

Documenting your project makes for great before-and-after photos to impress friends. A scrapbook can also validate your financial records. So while you’re busy taking photos for fun, take some for profit, too.

• Use photos as well as receipts, permits, and contractors’ documents to make the case to the appraiser and real estate agents as to the value added by the project.

• Tell the story of the improvements to potential buyers while underscoring the quality of materials. When name-brand labels are clearly visible on materials and supplies, it sends the message that you worked with the best.

• By keeping a photo record of energy upgrades you stand a chance of assembling a case for a tax break, even if you’ve learned of local or state programs after beginning or completing the job.

• The record can be part of your insurance portfolio, validating the quality of the project in case you have to file a claim.